University of the Philippines overpowered La Salle University, 3-0, and advanced to the finals of the 2nd SMART Philippine Intercollegiate Badminton Championships on Friday at the Centro Atletico Badminton Center.
Michael Clemente and JM Bernardo fended off Joshua Morada and Yugin Tan, 21-15, 21-18, in the men’s doubles rubber to complete the sweep for the Fighting Maroons in the tournament organized by the Philippine Badminton Association and backed by A2Z Customs.
UAAP Season 85 Rookies of the Year Jelo Albo and Anthea Gonzalez earlier dominated their respective foes in the men’s and women’s singles matches.
Albo scored a clinical 21-8, 21-4 win over Jason Pajarillo in a performance that underscored her lofty billing before Gonzalez clobbered Mia Manguilimotan, 21-6, 21-8.
In the finals, UP, which defeated the Adamson in the quarters, 4-1, will face the San Sebastian College-Recoletos, which beat College of Saint Benilde, 3-1.
Wishes Gacho and Luzviminda Gaba starred for the Golden Stags with a 21-12, 21-17 conquest of Canille Delos Santos and Arielle Penaflor in the women’s doubles match.
The Stags swept Group B to reach the last four, including a 4-1 win over last year’s runner-up San Beda University.